Artificial Joy was a solo project, and later full band, formed by rock bassist Robt Ptak. Initially Artificial Joy started as Ptak's solo project for songs he created and recorded during and before his time in the power pop band Size 14. Size 14 drummer Dave Armstrong would feature on some the tracks recorded for Artificial Joy. Armstrong was later asked by Ptak to join Size 14. After Ptak left Size 14 and moved to New York in 1998, Artificial Joy became a full live band.